Newcastle v Barcelona live: Rashford steals show to lead visitors to thrilling Champions League win

Marcus Rashford mopped his brow and hugged his Barcelona boss Hansi Flick as he walked off St James’ Park.

Then a big smile flashed across Rashford’s face. A rare smile. Flick offered a whisper of praise, and no wonder.

Come his substitution in the 81st minute he’d conjured two goals, his first for the Catalans, after an assist against Valencia at the weekend.

A difficult Champions League tie at Newcastle was won thanks to his ruthless improvisation. A thrilling performance that shows he is happy, motivated, confident and, perhaps, getting back to his world-class best.

"It's only to win it,” Rashford says. “Nothing else is on our minds. We know how tough the competition is."

Anthony Gordon said Newcastle were “knackered” chasing Pedri and Frenkie de Jong when Barcelona had the ball but said his team can be “proud” of their efforts.

"Rashford scored two goals out of nowhere. It's got to be the same for us and take the opportunities when they're presented to us,” he told TNT Sports.

“2-0 down to Barca feels like an uphill battle. We got the goal which is testament to our mentality. We were knackered.

"We can be proud of how we played. We gave it our best against one of the top teams in the planet. I didn't think there was much in the game. We had the better moments but we need to put them away."

"The chances were there in the first half. Against teams like this you won't get many. We got punished.

“It was a good performance, strong effort. These nights are only magical for us if we win. But we'll learn and grow our game from nights like this.

"We kept going until the end. That's what we pride ourselves on. They managed the extra time well - we were desperate for the ball but couldn't get it off them."

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe tells TNT Sports that Rashford’s first goal was “crucial” on the night and adds that his second was “unbelievable”.

"We were really in the game so we are disappointed,” Howe says. Scoring the first goal was crucial, on reflection. It was a gutsy display from us.

"We wanted to play high octane football and it was there but we didn't get the bounce of the ball. We didn't take our chances.

"The second goal is an unbelievable finish from Marcus Rashford."

Rashford speaks with TNT Sports after his first Barcelona goals. Safe to say he’s enjoying life at his new club.

“It’s going good, learning a lot. It’s a new way of playing football but I’m enjoying it all and I think it’s making me a better player. That’s why I’m here.

“Honestly it’s an amazing experience. I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona. Amazing players, amazing football. We want to win as much as possible.

“I’m full of excitement. I’m motivated, determined. It’s refreshing to play with these guys.”

Unsurprisingly, Marcus Rashford is named player of the match.

“It’s great to see him do well,” says Joe Cole on TNT Sports. “When he’s at the top of his game he can be unstoppable. It’s great to see him smiling. When he’s at his best he can be an England starter, a Barcelona starter, he can play for any team in the world.”

Newcastle xG [expected goals] was higher than Barcelona’s tonight.

Rashford made the difference.

Newcastle are applauded off despite defeat. They were the better team in the fist half and missed a big chance to take the lead.

Rashford’s two goals in nine minutes stunned the hosts, and their fightback was too little, too late. Barcelona showed their class, led by an Englishman.

What a game! But it’s Rashford’s night! Two goals in nine minutes, the second a stunner, as it helps Barcelona to an opening win in the Champions League.